EPO has a reputation with many non-scientists through bad press in the cycling/racing environment. From a researcher’s point of view, Erythropoietin or EPO is a 34 KDa glycoprotein known as the main player in erythropoiesis (red blood cell production). During fetal and perinatal period it’s predominantly produced in the liver, while in adults it is mainly released from interstitial fibroblasts in the kidney.

Besides its crucial role in erythropoiesis, EPO is also involved in wound healing and the brain’s response to neuronal injury.

Hematology is the study of blood, blood-forming organs and blood diseases. The formation of blood cells is referred to as hematopoiesis. All cellular components of the blood are derived from hematopoietic stem cells.